Japanese Executives Question PDCA Model as Business Planning Shifts

A Japanese business commentator explains that the widely used PDCA cycle was not created by W. Edwards Deming and that Deming later replaced the “Check” step with “Study,” forming the PDSA cycle. The analysis argues that the traditional PDCA focus on verifying plans assumes the plan is correct, whereas a study‑oriented approach treats execution as a learning process, better suited to dynamic markets.

A related promotion highlights a new book on digital‑marketing management that stresses accelerating the DCA (execution) component rather than merely setting strategy. Drawing on experience from Rakuten’s early rapid growth, the book offers practical methods to improve speed and precision of implementation, aiming to help organizations achieve consistent results.

Both pieces stress moving from rigid plan verification toward continuous learning and faster execution to enhance business performance.